Caribbean music and dance led Caribbean Netherlands performances in 2025

Traditional or Caribbean music combined with dance was the most popular type of performance in Caribbean Netherlands in 2025, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). CBS said 35% of Bonaire residents attended such a performance, compared with 28% on St Eustatius and 14% on Saba.

CBS said 54% of Bonaire residents attended a cultural performance or live event during 2025, alongside 41% on St Eustatius and 26% on Saba. It said 12% attended a theatre performance or musical, while between 3% and 18% attended a dance performance on their island or elsewhere. People who did not attend, or were unlikely to attend, said they did not like such activities; the available range and ticket prices largely did not affect that decision.

Library visits were reported by about two in 10 residents on Bonaire and Saba, and one in 10 on St Eustatius. CBS said borrowing books was the reason for 54% of Bonaire library visitors and 46% of those on St Eustatius, where visits for events or lectures were almost as common. Cultural activities and meeting people were other reasons given. CBS also reported that 70% of Bonaire residents had a hobby, compared with 57% on St Eustatius and 48% on Saba. Mobile or console games were the most common hobbies, particularly on Bonaire and Saba. Satisfaction with cultural activities stood at nearly three-quarters on Bonaire, 50% on St Eustatius and 38% on Saba; CBS said the range of activities was more limited on St Eustatius and Saba.